Things to Consider When Buying a Mixer Shower

If you’re updating your bathroom or replacing an old unit, choosing the right mixer shower can make a big difference to your daily routine.  Known for their sleek design, strong performance, and ability to blend hot and cold water to your ideal temperature, mixer showers are a popular choice in UK homes.

But with so many styles and systems available, how do you know which one is right for you? Here’s what to consider before buying a mixer shower.

1. Your Home’s Water System

The first (and most important) step is checking what type of hot water system you have:

• Combi boiler: Ideal for mixer showers, as they provide mains-pressure hot water on demand.
• Gravity-fed system: These can have low pressure, so you may need a pumped mixer shower or booster pump.
• Unvented or pressurised system: These usually provide excellent pressure and work well with most mixer showers.

If you’re unsure, your boiler make / model and water tank setup can usually give you the answer, or check with a plumber before buying.

2. Thermostatic vs Manual Controls

Mixer showers come in two main types:

• Manual mixer showers: You control the temperature by adjusting the hot and cold water flow manually.
• Thermostatic mixer showers: These regulate temperature automatically, maintaining it even if someone turns on a tap elsewhere.

For households with young children, elderly family members, or multiple bathrooms, thermostatic models offer added safety and comfort by preventing sudden temperature changes.

3. Water Pressure Requirements

Mixer showers rely on good water pressure to perform at their best. If your home has low pressure, look for:

• Low pressure compatible mixer showers
• Pumped options (especially for gravity-fed systems)

Always check the minimum and maximum pressure requirements in the product specification before purchasing.

4. Shower Style and Design

Mixer showers come in various styles to suit different bathroom looks:

• Exposed mixer showers: The pipework and controls are visible, making installation easier and ideal for traditional or industrial-style bathrooms.
• Concealed mixer showers: All pipework is hidden behind the wall for a sleek, modern finish.

5. Shower Valve Type

The valve is the heart of a mixer shower. Options include:

• Single lever: One control for both temperature and flow.
• Dual control: Separate controls for temperature and flow.
• Triple control: For systems with additional outlets (e.g. overhead and handheld showers).

If you want more control or plan to add extra features like a rainfall head or bath filler, a dual or triple control setup may be worth the investment.

6. Additional Features

Modern mixer showers can come with great added extras, such as:

• Adjustable riser rails
• Overhead rainfall-style heads
• Diverter valves to switch between outlets
• Eco modes or flow limiters for water-saving

These features enhance your experience and may help reduce energy and water bills over time.

7. Budget and Long-Term Value

Mixer showers are available across a wide price range, from budget friendly basics to premium designer models. While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, investing in a reliable, high-quality shower can save you money in the long run by reducing maintenance costs and improving performance. Look for trusted brands, good warranties, and models with easily available spare parts (Gainsborough’s own mixer showers and spares are a great example).

Choosing a mixer shower isn’t just about style: it’s about making sure it works with your water system, delivers the right pressure, and suits your lifestyle. At Gainsborough Showers, we make it easy to find a mixer shower that ticks all the right boxes, whether you're after a traditional look, modern design, or water-saving performance. Explore our mixer shower range or contact our team for expert advice tailored to your home.